|Chamberlain College
1. Which phase of the nursing process involves the systematic collection of
subjective and objective data?
A. Planning
B. Implementation
C. Assessment
D. Diagnosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Assessment is the first step of the nursing process, where the nurse collects,
organizes, validates, and documents data.
2. A patient reports feeling nauseated and having a headache. This is an
example of which type of data?
A. Subjective data
B. Objective data
C. Secondary data
D. Constant data
Answer: A
Rationale: Subjective data are the patient’s perceptions, feelings, or sensations that cannot
be measured directly by the nurse.
,3. What is the correct sequence for performing a physical assessment on most
body systems?
A. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
B. Auscultation, Palpation, Percussion, Inspection
C. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
D. Percussion, Palpation, Inspection, Auscultation
Answer: A
Rationale: The standard sequence is Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, and then
Auscultation (except for the abdomen).
4. Why is the physical assessment sequence modified when assessing the
abdomen?
A. To prevent the patient from feeling pain
B. Because the abdomen is a sterile area
C. Because inspection is not necessary for the abdomen
D. To avoid altering bowel sounds through palpation and percussion
Answer: D
Rationale: Palpation and percussion can increase peristalsis, which would result in false
bowel sound readings during auscultation.
5. A nurse is preparing to take a blood pressure. Which action would result in a
falsely high reading?
A. Using a cuff that is too large
B. Deflating the cuff too quickly
C. Using a cuff that is too narrow or small
D. Positioning the arm above the level of the heart
Answer: C
Rationale: A cuff that is too small or narrow will provide a falsely high blood pressure
reading.
, 6. The ‘General Survey’ component of a physical assessment begins:
A. After the vital signs are taken
B. The moment the nurse first encounters the patient
C. During the review of systems
D. When the patient signs the consent form
Answer: B
Rationale: The general survey is a study of the whole person, covering the general health
state and physical characteristics, starting the moment you see the patient.
7. Which part of the hand is best suited for assessing skin temperature during
palpation?
A. The fingertips
B. The palmar surface
C. The ulnar surface
D. The dorsal surface (back of the hand)
Answer: D
Rationale: The dorsal surface of the hand is thinner and more sensitive to temperature
changes.
8. Which technique is used to assess for fremitus or vibrations in the chest?
A. Auscultation
B. Inspection
C. Direct percussion
D. Palpation using the ulnar surface of the hand
Answer: D
Rationale: The ulnar surface or the base of the fingers is best for detecting vibrations.